Softball Splits with UNC Pembroke After Big 9-1 Win in Game 2; Dew Collects Five Hits in Split

MISENHEIMER, N.C. – Host Pfeiffer University and UNC Pembroke split a non-conference softball doubleheader on Wednesday afternoon at Jack Ingram Field. The Braves used a 1-0 victory in the opener while the Lady Falcons only needed six innings to grab revenge in game two with a decisive 9-1 win. The Lady Falcons move to 3-1 on the season while the Braves even to 3-3.

In the opener, UNCP would tally their lone run in the top of the first without recording a single hit. Taylor Cloninger (Jacksonville, NC) started with a leadoff walk, stole second and moved to third on a fielder’s choice. Shelby Holland (Charlotte, NC) would soon follow with a fielder’s choice bunt, scoring Cloninger who beat the late throw, to put the Braves up 1-0.

Pfeiffer’s best opportunity in the opener came in the top of the fifth as Khristin Isley (Asheboro, NC) started with a one-out bunt single. After Celia Dew (Sanford, NC) singled down the right-field line, Shelby Brown (South Hill, VA) would load the bases with her single down the opposite line. A groundball to third and force out at home followed by a strikeout would allow UNCP to escape the top of the fifth unharmed.

Starr Gilley (Graham, NC) picked up the win tossing a complete game six-hitter while striking out five. Lindsey Russell (Huntersville, NC) took the tough loss allowing just the one run on six hits with four strikeouts over seven innings. Dew would finish game one 3-for-4 at the plate.

In game two, Pfeiffer jumped on the board quickly throwing up a three-spot in the bottom of the first. Dew continued where she left off in game one with a single back up the middle while Hannah Jackson (Greensboro, NC) singled her to third. After Ashlee Ellen (Jacksonville, FL) was hit by a pitch, Sadie Saine (Crouse, NC) would drive in Dew with a base hit to center. After a strikeout put two outs on the board, Sam Jarmusch (Colfax, NC) lined a two-run single that deflected off of the second baseman’s glove to score Jackson and Ellen for a 3-0 advantage.

After the Braves got on the board with their run in the third, Jarmusch would help herself get that run back in the fourth with a one-out double to right having pinch-runner Amber Brame (Linwood, NC) come around on a Braves throwing error. Pfeiffer would end the contest early adding five more in the bottom of the sixth as a Russell double, two miscues by UNCP, Jackson groundout and Ellen single provided the final five runs.

Dew would collect two more hits in the nightcap finishing the day 5-for-8 while Jarmusch collected two hits and pair of RBI in addition to the win in the circle. Jarmusch surrendered one run on four hits in her second victory of the season.

Pfeiffer will now head to Carson-Newman on Saturday for their first road twinbill of the season. First pitch is slated for 1:00 p.m.